Beamish, William Richard "Dick"

July 9th, 2017

And then there were three… After a life well lived, our Dad has moved on to join our loving Mom, Shirley, his wife of 42 years, and our dear brother, Garth. With his remaining children at his side, Dick passed away on Sunday, July 9th, 2017 at the age of 92. He was the devoted father of Maureen Dragasevich (John), Heather Vitali (Greg), and Grant Beamish; and wonderful grandfather to Erin Coates (Andrew), Mark and Shannon Dragasevich, Ashley and Sarah Vitali, and Leah and Chloe Beamish. He will also be dearly missed by Joan Lamoureux, and his special friend and world travelling companion, Joyce Gilliard. Dick was a Professional Engineer who enjoyed a long career with Northern Electric/Northern Telecom in Montreal and London before transitioning to the automotive sector with Fleck Manufacturing in Huron Park. He was an eternal tinkerer, inventor and do-it-yourselfer who always looked for ways to help – at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, where he was a devoted member of the parish for over 50 years, at his grandchildren’s schools, and for his friends and family. Dad inspired us all with his endless optimism, entertained us with his storytelling and sense of humour, and serenaded us with his guitar. He also documented his life and ours so beautifully through his love of photography. He was a life long learner on many topics – even switching from a PC to a Mac in his mid-80s. But he derived his greatest joy from children. A thoughtful soul with a generous spirit is forever in our memories, having left his mark in so many ways. Friends may call at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North on Monday, July 24th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at ST. AIDAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 1246 Oxford Street West, on Tuesday, July 25th at 11:00 a.m. Having lost our mother and brother to cancer, donations to the Gene Goodreau Patient Assistance Fund at London Health Sciences Foundation would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Dick’s neighbours of many years on Queen Anne Circle, his family at St. Aidan’s, and to the staffs of Chartwell Riverside and Highview Residences for their kindness, care and love.

Book of Condolences

David & Gloria GlutekMaureen & Heather
Gloria and I share your grief. We have pleasant memories of time shared with him both at the Kewanis and at Chartwell. He was always a reliable friend and a smiling face that will be missed.

Ted MitchellI consulted to Fleck Mfg. in the 1980"s and had the pleasure of working directly with Dick for many years.
He was smart, asked good questions and was very supportive of the work I did.
I liked and respected Dick.
Goodbye old friend.

Bev YatesI am writing on behalf of my Dad, Grant Blair, who only knew your family for a very short time at Highview. He spoke very highly of your family and although he never met your Dad, he knows that he must have been a wonderful man, based on the qualities of his children and grandchildren. Thank you for brightening my Dad's day and we hope that you will get comfort in knowing how many people have been touched by your Dad and his loving family.

Victoria GeeRIP .. Dick ! You will long be remembered as a wonderful , generous man..

Pamela GraySo sorry to hear but glad that you lived a rich life.
In the 60s / 70s we were your neighbours in Oakridge When it was new...your family on Queen Anne and ours on Kingston.
I went to school with your children at Clara Brenton and Oakridge High.
I had seen Garth during later years while going to work and shortly before his passing.
My sincere condolences to the Beamush family.

Marion and Alan WoodSaying prayers and thinking of your family at this time.

Wendy DeugoGrant, Maureen and family. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all.

Sue FarnsworthGrant, Maureen, and families. So sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like your Dad had a wonderful, long life. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time.

Suzanne and Dwayne MannHeather, Greg and family. We are saddened to hear of your dad's passing. You were all so close and he was a very big part of your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Coralee RoyA very special uncle in my life! He gave an amazing toast to the bride when he attended my wedding Oct. 8, 1977....He was always interested in what I was doing or had been up too when our paths crossed in Thunder Bay or during my trips to London for Wrestling competitions! A very special brother to my mom...with many summer trips to help out in the Thunder Bay Kids of Steel program...love, laughter, music and awesome family stories...My thoughts are with you all...The heavens have a new star that shines brightly!

Doris (Stephen) OsgoodFor those of us who had the wonderful privilege of working with this gentleman at Fleck Mfg, we recall what an different perspective and interesting discussions could be had from just the simplest question. The write up for Dick in this tribute brings back a flood of memories of how these attributes were clearly witnessed by all in his life. I recall when I purchased my first computer and a comment that he made based on the perceptions of the day - "what more will you ever need", however computers changed so much since then, and I smiled to read that Dick kept up these changes even in his 80's. He was a wonderful calming influence on us all.
May our Lord grant you His comfort and peace.

Lois Bastow and Linda AveryDear Maureen, Heather, Grant and families, Mom and I were both deeply saddened to hear of your dear father's passing. In the short time we knew him at Highview we were both touched but his sweet nature and the kindness and care shown to him and others by his loving family. May you each gain strength from the love and support of family and friends during this sad time and from knowing your dear Dad is at peace. Hugs.

Anne KershawThe celebration of Dick's life was the loveliest tribute I have ever attended and much deserved. Reminiscences that can make you laugh are a very important part of the person's history.
Please accept my sincere condolences to all family and close friends. Dick was certainly a pillar of St Aidan's.
Anne Kershaw